Target Shooting System

ABSTRACT

A target shooting system for multiple players with automatically appearing LED lights for shooting the target. A target frame comprises a target stand, a target base and a target impact plate. The target system further includes a plurality of target screens dynamically assigned with a unique color/pattern to the LED light. The target system is a combination of hardware and software. The hardware is a microprocessor with a set of LED lights and at least one sensor. The software application is configured for controlling the target, that indicates an LED status light for shooters and to send reaction time data to the communication device when the target is hit. The elapsed time data transmitted to the communication device that is being configured to wirelessly transmit and receive data between the computer and the microprocessor and the software application stores the reaction time data.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Technical Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to target shooting devices and more particularly, to an advanced entertainment and/or skill improvement shooting system having the capability to present one or more scenes.

Description of the Related Art

A shooting target is an object in various forms and shapes that are used for pistol, shot guns and other shooting sports like target archery, cross bow shooting, airsoft, nerf and other non-related sports. Shooting can be taken place in a shooting range in shooting sports, hunting or in combat. In a shooting range, firing range or gun range is a specialized facility designed for firearms qualifications, training or practice. Some shooting ranges are operated by military departments or law enforcement agencies, though the majority of ranges are privately-owned and cater to recreational shooters. Shooting technique differs depending on the factors like the type of firearm used from a handgun to a precision rifle, the distance to and nature of the target, the required precision, and the available time. Breathing and position play an important role when handling a handgun or a rifle. Some shooting sports, such as IPSC shooting and biathlon include movement also. The prone position, kneeling position, and standing position offer different amounts of support for the shooters. The shooting ranges can be indoor or outdoor, and they may be restricted to certain types of firearm that can be used such as handguns or rifles, or they can specialize in certain shooting sports such as skeet shooting or Air Pistol/Rifle.

Several methods have been developed in the art for shooting a target; one such method describes a target shooting system where the targets automatically appear during the movement of the shooting figure while the player controls not only the aspect of the figure relative to the target but also the time of shooting. However, this target shooting system does not provide any software application for controlling the target electronics that indicates an LED status light for shooters to shoot the target.

Another approach discloses a target shooting apparatus that utilizes a plurality of light beam emitting guns or rifles to shoot at a plurality of targets, the individual light beam guns being identified by frequency encoding the light beam emitted by each rifle. However, this target shooting apparatus is designed with simple entertainment purposes and it lacks to provide shooting target accuracy to the shooters and their scores achieved in short time for shooting the target.

Yet another method describes a stationary target shooting system which is portable and can be easily broken down and reassembled for use on a variety of surfaces. The stationary target shooting system may be adapted for target shooting with both firearms and archery. However, this target shooting system doesn't provide scoring level of the shooter and it fails to produce the time and accuracy of the shooter.

There is thus a need for a target shooting entertainment system that provides with an entirely fun or recreational activity. Such a target shooting system would add the dimension of reaction and using that to create an entirely new form of recreational target shooting. Such a target system would be a fun way to spend some time and enjoy shooting alone or with your friends and family members. Moreover, such a system could replicate with a zombie attack where a group playing cooperatively tries to defend their camp against the zombie horde. Similarly, such a system would provide each scene in a different combination of the variables in the algorithm. The proposed system would also be capable to create a competitive experience to the participants, where four users are competing against each other at the same time on the same set of targets, for example. Further, such a target shooting system would provide the users various means to improve their skills. Furthermore, such a system would also provide a training aspect which could apply to users in law enforcement and the military purpose. The present embodiment overcomes shortcomings in the field by accomplishing these critical objectives.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

To minimize the limitations found in the existing systems and methods, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon the reading of the specifications, preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a target shooting system for multiple players with automatically appearing LED lights for shooting the target.

The preferred embodiment of the target system provides with an entirely fun or recreational activity of the target shooting entertainment system. The target system comprises a target frame, a target stand, a target base and a target impact plate. The target system further includes one or more target electronics packages with a power supply that the operation part is formed with operation buttons, such as a power supply button. The electronics package includes a microprocessor, a sensor, LED lights, a power supply and a wireless communication device. The target system is a combination of both hardware and software. The hardware is a simple microprocessor with a set of LED lights and a sensor. The sensor attaches to the target assigned to each user and detects when the target is shot. The sensor is operatively connected to the target impact plate. The lights are used to indicate the user when and where to shoot the target. This turns a target into a simple but effective data collection. This indicates the user to shoot the target. Once the target senses an impact, the light turns OFF and the microprocessor transmits the elapsed time to the controlling software. The software application is the core of the system and controls many applications at once. Using this target system, the user can build their shooting skills in a new way. The target system provides entertainment and a fun way to spend shooting with friends and families with a lowest price in market. This target system can generate data like whether the target gets hit or not on the screen. But it can calculate the speed and accuracy of the shooter and can provide an instant feedback with this data. The target shooting system also introduces a new way to improve your shooting skills as well as provides a low-cost option to play.

A first objective of the present embodiment is to provide a target system having a hardware and a software application for controlling the target screens corresponding to an LED status light indicative for shooters to shoot the target.

A second objective of the present embodiment is to provide a target system that is convenient for multiple target users with target screens, wherein each screen can be dynamically assigned with a unique color/pattern to the LED light.

A third objective of the present embodiment is to provide a target system that is designed for simple entertainment purpose and providing shooting target accuracy to the shooters and the scores achieved ((in short time)) for shooting the target.

A fourth objective of the present embodiment is to provide a target system for developing and improving creativity of shooting in a new way with an instant feedback.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention, thus the drawings are generalized in form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a target system in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic representation of a target system in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method for shooting the target with multiple players and automatically appearing LED lights for shooting the target system; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of another configuration of the target system, illustrating a cloud based data storage system coupled to a computer of the target system via a network in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. However, any single inventive feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or only address one of the problems discussed above. Further, one or more of the problems discussed above may not be fully addressed by any of the features described below.

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. “And” as used herein is interchangeably used with “or” unless expressly stated otherwise. As used herein, the term ‘about” means+/−5% of the recited parameter. All embodiments of any aspect of the invention can be used in combination, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”. Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural and singular number, respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “wherein”, “whereas”, “above,” and “below” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of the application.

The description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. While the specific embodiments of, and examples for, the disclosure are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.

Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a target shooting system 10 is illustrated. The target shooting system 10 of the preferred embodiment provides with an entirely fun or recreational activity of the target shooting entertainment. The target system 10 comprises a target frame 14, a target stand 16, a target base 20 and a target impact plate 18. The target system 10 further includes a plurality of target electronics packages with a power supply 38 formed with operation buttons. In addition to the power supply 38, the hardware includes a microprocessor 32, a sensor 30, a plurality of LED lights 34, and a wireless communication device 36. The target system 10 is a combination of both hardware and software. The hardware is a simple microprocessor 32 with a set of LED lights 34 coupled with the sensor 30. The sensor 30 attaches to the target 12 is assigned to each shooter and detects when the target 12 is hit. The sensor 30 is operatively connected to the target impact plate 18. The LED lights 34 are used to indicate the shooter when and where to shoot the target 12. This turns a target 12 into a simple but effective data collection. This indicates the user to shoot the target 12. Once the target 12 senses an impact, the LED light 34 turns OFF and the microprocessor 32 transmits the elapsed time to the controlling software 42. The software application 42 is the core of the system and controls many applications at once. Using the target system 10 the user can build their shooting skills in a new way. The target system 10 provides entertainment and a fun way to spend shooting with friends and families with a lowest price in market. The target system 10 can generate data like whether the target 12 gets a hit or not on the screen. Also, the target system 10 can calculate the speed and accuracy of the shooter and can provide an instant feedback with this data. The target shooting system 10 also introduces a new way to improve your shooting skills as well as provides a low-cost option to play.

The computer 40 is installed with the software application 42 that controls the target electronics. The target electronics when instructed by the controlling software application 42, will turn on the LED light 34 indicating the user to shoot the target 12. The target 12 will then send reaction time data back to the software application 42. The communication device 36 is being configured to wirelessly transmit and receive data between the computer 40 and the microprocessor 32. The software application 42 is configured to display a plurality of scenes 44 and is being configured to run an algorithm for each scene 44. The plurality of scenes 44 is a sequence of targets 12 activating (and deactivating) for different users at different intervals. The communication device 36 is being configured to wirelessly transmit and receive data between the computer 40 and the microprocessor 32, wherein a user selects a scene in the software application 42, the software application 42 runs an algorithm and generates instruction data, and the computer 40 wirelessly transmits the instruction data to the communication device 36. The communication device 36 receives the instruction data and transmits the instruction data to the microprocessor 32. The microprocessor 32 turns ON at least one LED light 34 when the user actuates the target 12 and the impact plate 18 in response to the LED light 34 being turned ON. The sensor 30 transmits a signal from the target 12 to the microprocessor 32 where the microprocessor 32 receives the signal that generates reaction time data from the signal and transmits the reaction time data to the communication device 36. The communication device 36 is a Bluetooth device that receives the reaction time data from the microprocessor 32 and wirelessly transmits the reaction time data to the computer 40 and the microprocessor 32 when the LED light 34 turns OFF. The computer 40 wirelessly receives the reaction time data from the communication device 36 and transmits the reaction time data to the software application 42 and the software application 42 stores the reaction time data. The software application 42 calculates a set of user analytics based on the reaction time data. The target system 10 has a plurality of targets 12 and each target 12 is dynamically assigned with a unique color or pattern for the LED lights 34, enabling the target system 10 to have multiple users. The plurality of scenes 44 further comprises programmed intelligence and randomness for activating and deactivating the plurality of LED lights 34. In one embodiment, the target system 10 pertains to anything involving a projectile or kinetic device. Primarily this is for firearm entertainment and training, but can apply to archery, Airsoft, Nerf, baseball, football, etc. also games like zombie attack. The target system 10 can replicate a western high noon duel. The target system 10 can replicate a zombie attack where a group (playing cooperatively) tries to defend their camp against the zombie horde. The target system 10 can create a competitive experience where four users are competing against each other at the same time on the same set of targets 12. Each scene 44 is a different combination of the variables in the algorithm. For a group-based Zombie attack scene, this score could be how long the group lasted. Since the software application 42 can dynamically ramp up the speed and difficulty, the system 10 will get to a point where no group can survive. Thus, the group that survives the longest will be the leader.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic representation of target system 10. The target shooting is a fun recreational activity. The target shooting is a single dimensional activity. But using this target system 10 multiple varieties of shot can be done. Such as single target 12, multi targets 12 with a plurality of players with zombie hoard attacking type, and a multi target with implied motion. In one embodiment, the microprocessor 32 consists with a version of Arduino Uno R3 as a prototype base. This is essentially a small computer 40 which run out off of a battery. The sensor 30 is operatively connected to the target impact plate 18. The LED lights 34 are used to indicate the user when to shoot the target 12. (These LED lights 34 that are attached to Arduino. There are 12 LED lights 34 in the shape of a circle. This target system 10 provides two key things with the LED lights 34. Initially, it can make almost any color on the ring; then it can create any pattern of lights. This system can turn ON one LED at the top of the ring. This looks very different from the LED at the top and bottom. This is the key to have multi player set ups whereas the target system 10 indicates different patterns of LEDs along with different colors to uniquely identify what the shooter in the group is assigned to this moment in time.) This turns the target 12 into simple but effective data collection node, the target 12 turns its lights on the sensor 30, which is a simple piezo electric sensor 30. When it is moved, it generates a voltage. Whenever the accelerative force increases the voltage increases. The microprocessor 32 is programmed to read this voltage. Thus, when the target 12 is hit, then the microprocessor 32 can detect it. The user may have a few seconds with a configurable value to shoot it. Either the user wins or loses. Whereas with multi target 12 we can create a multi-player with direct competitive experience. For a traditional shooting tree competition, there is a tree with the target 12 that swings back and forth. The goal is to keep the swinging targets 12 on the competitor's side. In this mode, the target 12 shooting each user has a corresponding color assigned to them. The goal is similar as we have to keep all the targets 12 OFF of your color. The key differences are the targets 12 are not in a vertical line, they all are over the range. There can also be more than 2 people participating in this competition. The multi target system 10 can create a zombie hoard attacking type of experience. Whereas the zombies do not attack all at once. They used to come at you at randomized bursts. They also don't die right away. Rather, they come back over and over again. For using with multiple targets 12 this target system 10 can create an implied motion. Like Christmas rope lights, if the targets 12 are lined up, we can cycle them in order creating the effects of motion. This when combined with long range capability allows hunter to hone their skills in a completely new way.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method for shooting the target for multiple players with automatically appearing LED lights for shooting the target system 10. The method initiates by providing a target shooting system by turning ON the start button as indicated at block 200. Displaying a plurality of scenes on the screen as indicated at block 202. Popping at least one LED light on the screen for the user to shoot the target as indicated at block 204. Transmitting the elapsed time to the controlling software from the microprocessor once the target is hit by the shooter and the LED lights gets off from the screen as indicated at block 206. Then recording the amount of time taken by the shooter to shoot the target from the provided data as indicated at block 208. Finally, displaying speed, accuracy and other details of the shooter on the computer as indicated at block 210.

In another configuration of the preferred embodiment, the computer 40 and the software application 42 are coupled to a cloud based data storage system 46 via a network 47 as shown in FIG. 4. A remote server (not shown) is configured to provide online access to the reaction time data. The plurality of LED lights 34 is configured to represent a predetermined target status value. The target status value is selected from a group consisting of: the number of hits necessary to extinguish the target 12, a countdown timer, a point value of the target 12. As shown in FIG. 4, the target shooting system 10 is configured to send and retrieve the data to/from the computer 40. The cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient, on demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources like networks, network bandwidth, servers, memory, storage, applications and services that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or interaction with a provider of the service. In an aspect of the embodiment, the cloud-based data storage system 46 is coupled to a website 48 which is configured to display the data. The target shooting system 10 is configured to allow a user to upload the data, and the website 48 is designed to allow the user to compare results and compete with at least one other user. A mobile application 50 is coupled to the cloud-based server 46. The mobile application 50 is configured to access the data and to select the scene. The cloud server 46 is configured to select the scene.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is intended that the scope of the present invention shall not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A target system comprising: a. At least one target, each target comprising: i. a target frame; ii. a target stand; iii. a target base; and iv. a target impact plate; b. a target electronics package for each target, each electronics package comprising: i. a power supply; ii. a sensor operatively connected to the target impact plate; iii. a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) lights operatively connected to the target frame; iv. a microprocessor operatively connected to the plurality of LED lights for the target frame; v. a communication device operatively connected to the microprocessor; c. a computer including a software application, the software application comprising a plurality of scenes; d. the software application being configured to run an algorithm for each scene; e. the communication device being configured to wirelessly transmit and receive data between the computer and the microprocessor; f. wherein a user selects a scene in the software application, the software application runs an algorithm and generates instruction data, and the computer wirelessly transmits the instruction data to the communication device; g. wherein the communication device receives the instruction data and transmits the instruction data to the microprocessor; h. wherein the microprocessor turns on at least one LED light; i. wherein the user actuates the target impact plate in response to the LED light being turned on; j. wherein the sensor transmits a signal from the target impact plate to the microprocessor; k. wherein the microprocessor receives the signal, generates reaction time data from the signal, and transmits the reaction time data to the communication device; l. wherein the communication device receives the reaction time data from the microprocessor and wirelessly transmits the reaction time data to the computer; m. wherein the microprocessor turns the at least one LED light off. n. wherein the computer wirelessly receives the reaction time data from the communication device and transmits the reaction time data to the software application; and o. wherein the software application stores the reaction time data.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the software application calculates a set of user analytics based on the reaction time data.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein each sensor is a piezoelectric sensor.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication device is a Bluetooth device.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the target system has multiple targets, each target is dynamically assigned a unique color or pattern for the LED lights, enabling the target system to have multiple users.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of scenes further comprise programmed intelligence and randomness for activating and deactivating the plurality of LED lights.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the target system is a firearm target system.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the target system is one of the following: an archery system, an Airsoft system, a Nerf system, a baseball system, or a football system.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the scenes includes an old western theme.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the scenes include a zombie attack theme.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer and the software application are coupled to a remote server, the remote server is configured to provide online access to the reaction time data.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of LED lights are configured to represent a predetermined target status value.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the target status value is selected from the group consisting of the number of hits necessary to extinguish the target, a countdown timer, a point value of the target.
 14. The system of claim 1, further comprising a cloud-based data storage system configured to send and retrieve the data from to the computer.
 15. The system of claim 14, further comprising a website coupled to the cloud-based data storage system, wherein the website is configured to display the data.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the system is configured to allow a user to upload the data, and wherein the website is configured to allow the user to compare results and compete with at least one other user.
 17. The system of claim 15, further comprising a mobile application coupled to the cloud-based server wherein the mobile application is configured to access the data and to select the scene.
 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the cloud server is configured to select the scene. 